Description: An early science fiction novel, The War of the Worlds (1898), by H.G. Wells, describes the fictional 1895 invasion of Earth by aliens, from Mars, who use laser-like Heat-Rays, chemical weapons, and mechanical three-legged "fighting machines" that could potentially be viewed as precursors to the tank. After defeating the resistance the Martians devastate much of eastern England, including London, before being unexpectedly killed by terrestrial diseases, to which they have no immunity.